The percentage of candidates achieving A* to B passes also increased to 53.2 per cent from 52.3 per cent last year

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Brainy pupils celebrated another record year of A-level results – but now face the prospect of paying up to £9,000-a-year in university fees.

This year, the borough’s overall pass rate rose by 0.1 per cent from 98.9 per cent to 99 per cent, bucking the national decline and remaining above the 98 per cent national average.

The percentage of candidates achieving A* to B passes also increased to 53.2 per cent from 52.3 per cent last year.

Pupils achieving A* to C grades saw the biggest improvement, with a 3.9 per cent increase from 75.3 per cent to 79.2 per cent.

Hundreds of nervous and excited pupils collected their results from schools and colleges around the borough last Thursday, with some opening as early as 7am to give teenagers the best chance of securing a university place if they needed to go through clearing.

Youngsters heading to university next month will be the first students to face higher tuition fees.

Forest pupil Stephen Nyemba, who will study business economics at the University of Portsmouth after achieving two Bs and a C, said: “Hopefully it will be worth the £9,000, but I’m not really worried about the fees.”

Councillor Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for children’s services, said: “This has been another highly successful year for Wokingham schools and this is a testament to the hard work of students.

“Both they, their teachers and of course their parents should feel very proud of what they have achieved.

“I am delighted these young people will be well placed to move into the next stage of their lives, whether in education, training or the employment world.

“I wish them all the very best for the future.”

Congratulating students Richard Stanley, assistant director for learning and achievement, said: “It is particularly pleasing to see the improvements in the A-level results, demonstrating schools’ continued commitment to providing the highest possible educational outcomes.”